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From catching a cotton-candy sunrise in Joshua Tree to enjoying sundowners in Malibu, California is a state of diverse beauty. Boasting more national parks than anywhere else in America, you'll find dramatic coastlines, unexpected deserts, and ancient forests dotted all over the “Golden State”. So, stop California dreaming and start planning your Californian adventure with the help of our travel guide.
To find the tallest and some of the oldest trees on earth head to Redwood National Park. While best known for preserving the world's most beautiful coast redwoods, the park also has inspiring views, remote beaches, and fern-filled canyons.
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, lies the clear blue Lake Tahoe. In winter, fresh powder and bustling ski resorts, like Squaw Valley, turn Tahoe into one of the Golden State’s rare snowy playgrounds. In summer the area is a popular spot for hiking and biking.
Discover more Lake Tahoe activitiesHome to some of California's most famed vineyards, Napa Valley is a wine lover’s paradise. The region offers everything from castle-like wineries and luxury hotels, to spas and Michelin-star restaurants. The valley’s wine tasting experiences range from urban tasting rooms to tuk-tuk tours, and the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Top Napa Valley wineriesThis inland route will take you through some wondrous scenes. Think tall trees, deep canyons, roaring rivers, and some of the world’s tallest waterfalls. The route between Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park and Avenue of Giants includes 10 stops, covers just over 1,300 kms, and should take you between 4-6 days.
Plan a road tripThis ruggedly-beautiful route follows the coastal road between San Diego and San Francisco, where you can stop in places like Huntington Beach, Santa Barbara, and Monterey. It includes 10 stops, covers just under 1,000 kms, and takes between 4-7 days – depending on how fast you need to travel.
Discover more road tripsAs you travel between Windansea Beach in La Jolla and Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, you’ll experience a variety of waves and surf culture. You may even catch a glimpse of – or a wave with – some of the world’s best surfers. This route takes between 4-7 days and includes 14 stops as you travel just under 1,000 kms.
From the canyon's in Los Angeles, Big Sur's winding roads, Sonoma's soaring Redwood's and San Francisco's vibrant colourful city. Get to California in more comfort, more space and more style with Qantas. Qantas flies to Los Angeles and San Francisco from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, schedule subject to change.
In Joshua Tree National Park, two diverse ecosystems collide, creating one of California's most epic landscapes. The Mojave and the Colorado deserts are home to fascinating plants, challenging hikes, surreal rock formations and stunning vistas.
Start your next sunny getaway along the shores of Southern California. Nicknamed "Surf City", Huntington Beach is a sweet spot to roll out your towel. Dive into the Hollywood hideout, Malibu, where killer hikes and cool restaurants come with ocean views. Or eat your way through San Diego’s famous Baja-med scene.
Discover top dining spots in MalibuLoaded with mid-century eye candy, old-school restaurants and stylish stays, Palm Springs is a glamorous desert oasis. As a playground for Hollywood types, past and present, the VIP treatment is always on offer here. Coachella music festival, art-filled hotels and antique shops have also made the city one of Southern California's cultural hot spots.
It’s both the oldest original intact Mission in California and the oldest building in San Francisco.
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California offers a lifetime of holidays, from culture-rich cities to the golden coastline, these are the best things to do in the West Coast state.
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Known as a playground for the rich and famous, California’s desert city is a hip place to hang – full stop. For your first trip to this hotspot, follow these travel tips on how to holiday like a celeb. Distinctive mid-century architecture, palm-fringed boulevards and the majestic Coachella Valley mountains make this Californian
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